Shubman Gill’s Lord’s Issue: Pick Kuldeep Yadav’s Spin or Deepen India’s Batting Lineup for the 3rd Test?

Shubman Gill’s Lord’s Issue: Pick Kuldeep Yadav’s Spin or Deepen India’s Batting Lineup for the 3rd Test?

Last Updated Jul - 10 - 2025, 04:52 PM | Source : Fela News

India's management decided against Kuldeep, prioritizing batting depth after a disappointing lower-order collapse in the previous Test. Gill explained: “we were tempted to play Kuldeep, but our lower order didn’t do well, so we opted for more batting”.

Kuldeep’s case is compelling he’s taken 21 of his 56 Test wickets against England, often troubling their batsmen overseas. His childhood coach even suggested the selection may demoralize Kuldeep:

“Shouldn’t he have been there? … But none of it matters if you don’t have a wicket‑taker.”

On the other hand, choosing an extra batter adds solidity to the tail, crucial on flat pitches like those expected at Lord’s. Gill trusts this aggressive strategy: with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returning, balance may be best struck without Kuldeep, especially if England’s surface offers little spin.

Lord’s slope brings its own challenge too; bowlers might get movement, but batting depth ensures India can endure tough initial sessions while keeping wickets in hand.

Gill looks confident in his team’s versatility. Whether Kuldeep’s spin is required or an extra bat is wiser, this selection choice enclosed modern Test cricket’s evolution where every pick must juggle attack potency and batting resilience. The decision, more than tactics, reflects how Gill envisions India chasing series momentum from the famed Lord’s slope onward.

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